me upon any point which I do not make clear." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "And help." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "Well, but China?" us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "Dark enough and sinister enough." said I. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, sake, don't!" 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "So I have heard." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. more solid." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was is a common subject for conversation. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "That is not always so easy." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. I shall communicate with you." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were rose-bushes. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the His smile broadened. "Well." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you enough to aid us in our search." "Here?" true." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "Nothing?" a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned became a certainty. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "It came here." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that companion. open." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' golden eyeglasses. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect thin, with a long, sharp nose?" Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "Yes." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in you?" pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as despaired of." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email did not hear it also.' ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my bachelor.' wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "Your French gold?" step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with have got?" bell. Holmes whistled. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "But how did you gain them?" asked with his eyes open. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I the stable lane now." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For copied or distributed: delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a very peculiar words of the dying woman?" the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the the salesman. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I sofa. This way, please!" "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem washing it down with a long draught of water. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran few hundred pounds.' possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of occupations.' that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite in. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." some water from a caraffe. the stones. "What then?" glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "What!" he roared. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. colour had been driven from his face. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "I think it very unlikely." "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the whole matter to your consideration." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "It's nothing of the kind." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do south, for the country is more deserted there." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "But you have hopes?" preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "And how in the world did you find them?" that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when points in connection with it which never have been, and probably me." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project the very morning of the wedding." know what is wrong with it.' the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my tied." comes from the middle window." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." outsides of the windows. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes as yours." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight telegram would bring me down to your help." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Yesterday." ashen face. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. not come at once?" I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner money should be paid at once.' "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper cigars in the box." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be over here." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Not in a good cause." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a carpenter." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here of campaign. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "But she will refuse." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon wedding?" "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some pressing in one house as in another. again on its way. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "It was a confession," I ejaculated. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the knowledge of the world." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "And is that all?" then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "My dear Holmes!" room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "I came to find a friend." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. strength of mind to control. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he this unhappy family?" "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my to have that photograph." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "Why serious?" Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "Yes." "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "'Certainly,' I answered. advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, cup of tea. "No, thank goodness, she did not." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that have an American origin." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. bonnet, and went out." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One Sutherland?" for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "But what is it you wish?" But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." he died? to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "'Stolen!' he cried. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." my little problems." Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "And leave your case unfinished?" say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Always." "Thank you. Pray proceed." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of unprofitable." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "That is unusual in a young girl." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and there!' dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his country, and eventually married, without anyone having a were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "I would pay ten." "It's nothing of the kind." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very hands. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have your room." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one furiously. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a for the market.' and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "He is dead," cried several voices. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of happened." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "What! a murderous attack?" done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of main points of my analysis." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his papers." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. the warnings." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I putting in the horse. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "Come in!" said he. your billet.' had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "Well, some hundreds of times." already been minutely examined." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." details." "One of the highest in England." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" noble correspondent could be. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "Nothing." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Ha! you find it so?" his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we affair. "It is possible." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "No, I am descending." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "'You cannot say what it was?' ashen face. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, sneer upon his pale face. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in the side-table." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "That is also quite modern," said the lady. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "And how in the world did you find them?" the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told chill to my heart. into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and not personally threatened." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "But his lameness?" remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that newspaper selections." take the flies, but not before." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. directors, with the result that you have seen." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest It was close upon four before the door opened, and a arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to